Hawkins man charged with statutory rape after his mother called authorities

ROGERSVILLE — A 25-year-old Hawkins County man was charged with statutory rape early Sunday morning after his mother reported an alleged sexual encounter he was having with a 14-year-old girl.

Early Sunday morning, HCSO Deputy Jason Montgomery was dispatched to 4140 Van Hill Road south of Rogersville near the Greene County line, where Pam Tipton stated that her son was in his bedroom having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.

The 911 call originated as an unwanted guest complaint.

The son, George Thomas Murr, of that address, denied having sex with the girl.

“Mr. Murr stated that they were not having sex, but he stated he has (graphic description) — put his fingers in her — in the past,” Detective Daniel Byington stated in his report. “Mr. Murr also stated he has performed oral sex on the juvenile as well, but again reiterated that they had not had sexual intercourse.”

The 14-year-old girl is a friend of the family.

The girl allegedly stated to HCSO Deputy Sam Wilhoit that the sexual activity Murr admitted to had occurred, although the two of them never had sexual intercourse.

Byington stated in his report that items from the residence were collected for evidence and sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation fro analysis.

Byington added that he believed there was enough probable cause to charge Murr with statutory rape.

Murr was arraigned Monday in sessions court.

As of Monday evening he remained held in the Hawkins County Jail on $30,000 bond.